A questioner from Kirkuk in Iraq asks: We have had a discussion regarding Tawakkul (placing one's trust in Allah). Should Tawakul be accompanied by observing all physical means? We know that some righteous people such as Maryam received summer fruits in winter and vice versa although she did not make any physical effort and devoted all her time to worship. Please, advise. May Allah bless you!
A: Tawakkul includes two things: First: Reliance on Allah accompanied by the belief that He is the Originator of causes, that His decree will come to pass, and that He (Glorified and Exalted be He) decrees, reckons, and records all things. Second: Seeking all the possible means. Abandoning the means that make a thing is not a form of Tawakkul. Tawakkul should combine between considering the possible means and putting one's trust in Allah. Whoever does not observe them, contradicts Shar` (Law) and sound reason. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) and His Messenger commanded and urged His servants to seek the possible means. It is not permissible for a Muslim to abandon the physical means, for Tawakkul will not be perfect unless a person seeks all possible means. Shari`ah enjoins marriage to safeguard chastity and preserve the human race. If any person says that he will not get married and will wait to have a child, he is foolish. It is not permissible for a person to stay at home or the Masjid (Mosque) to collect Sadaqah (voluntary charity), as this is not Tawakkul. He should strive and work hard to seek means for provision.
Maryam (may Allah be merciful with her) did not abandon taking the possible means. Whoever believes so is mistaken. Allah inspired her, "And shake the trunk of datepalm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe dates upon you." This is an order to take the physical means and shake the datepalm until the dates fall. It was never mentioned in her biography that she abandoned taking all possible means. As for the provision which she was given,
Allah honored and provided her with, it does not indicate that she abandoned taking the possible means. She used to worship Allah and seek the possible means. When Allah confers some Karamah (an extraordinary event performed by a pious person) on a righteous person out of His Generosity, this does not indicate that they have abandoned taking the possible means. It is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, "Cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose hope." Allah (Glorified be He) states, You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything). Allah orders His servants to worship and seek His help. Both are ways of attaining happiness in this worldly life and in the Hereafter as indicated by many Ayahs (Qur'anic Verses).